In the bizarre world of Silicon Valley startups, 18-year-old entrepreneur Eric Zhu has turned an absurd concept into a $75 million venture that’s challenging how we think about male health and entertainment.

Sperm Racing, Zhu’s nine-month-old company, transforms male fertility into a competitive sport where young men literally race their microscopic swimmers across a miniature track. What started as a wild idea has quickly attracted serious investment from tech luminaries like DJ 3lau and Pudgy Penguins founder Luca Netz.

The startup’s events are part spectacle, part health awareness campaign. Influencers like Harry Jowsey and Jason Nash have participated in livestreamed races, creating viral content that’s equal parts ridiculous and fascinating. Zhu’s vision goes beyond mere entertainment - he wants to gamify male reproductive health and encourage young men to take their wellness seriously.

Figment Capital partner James Parillo sees potential in this unconventional approach, noting that tracking personal metrics is already mainstream. “It seems kind of crazy right now,” Parillo admits, “but in five years, it might not sound so wild”.

The venture isn’t without controversy. Earlier races were criticized for being prerecorded, which raised questions about the authenticity of competitions where people could actually place bets.

Despite the skepticism, Zhu is expanding rapidly. He’s planning nationwide college tour races in partnership with Total Frat Move and developing merchandise, including a supplement line called “Sperm Worms” designed to promote male reproductive health.

While the concept might sound like a joke, Zhu is serious about his mission. “To lose a sperm race is crazy,” he explains. “Once you lose, you really want to be healthier”. His personal journey - from launching his first startup in a high school bathroom to securing millions in funding - speaks to a generation unafraid to transform unconventional ideas into legitimate businesses.

As male fertility becomes an increasingly discussed topic in tech and wellness circles, Sperm Racing represents a provocative, attention-grabbing approach to a serious health conversation.